But instead of talking incessantly and ranting about things I hate, I will also discuss things that I actually might be enjoying this year. So, as you recover from fireworks, parades and parties, and mourn the Pistons’ collapse in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, read on to see what I have picked as some of the best, and some of the most disappointing things about the year.

And, just perhaps, this wont be just limited to music, and I will get to bag on a certain actor who likes to date one of Art’s dream women as a publicity stunt, and jumps on couches and proclaims their love for Scientology on Oprah. Anyone wanna take a guess on who I am talking about? Anyways, here are….

Art’s 2005 Mid-Year Awards:

Most Annoying Reality-TV Show Couple: Britney Spears & Kevin Federline (UPN’s “Chaotic”). Not that I watch reality TV or anything, but just by the sounds of this, the concept alone is the worst thing on TV this year. Or at least until I saw a preview for the Pauly Shore reality show on TBS… Get me a gun… bud-die…

Biggest Solo Album That Absolutely Everyone Saw Coming: Gwen Stefani (“Love, Angel, Music, Baby”). Sorry Rob Thomas, Gwen may not have had the strongest album, but always having four mute Japanese girls and Pharrell Williams around you helps your stuff stick around for a while. But Gwen; that “Bananas” part in “Hollaback Girl”... not so good…

The Album You Will Still Be Hearing Singles From in 2006: Green Day (“American Idiot”). This seems like the album you will be hearing for the next 20 years. Green Day OUGHT to tour behind this album for four years, because whatever they put out next, wont be anywhere near as good.

The What the F*&* Were You Thinking Award: Jurors on the Michael Jackson trial- They acquitted someone because the mother of the boy who was allegedly molested was “rude and snapped her fingers at them”. Talk about being objective… Now, Jackson’s attorneys said that Jackson will refuse to have children over from here on out. NO S&^% SHERLOCK!

Gimmick that will kill your cell phone minutes: Rapper Mike Jones: Call him up at (281) 330-8004, and tell him that Verizon Wireless is gonna shut off his phone if he ends up sounding like 30,000 other rappers out there.

Best CD’s that aren’t storming up the charts: Bloc Party- Silent Alarm, Corrosion Of Conformity- In The Arms of God, ….Trail Of The Dead- Worlds Apart

Strong Welcome Back CD’s: Nine Inch Nails- With Teeth, Beck-Guero

Bad Ideas That Maybe Should NOT Have Come Back: Limp Bizkit- The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1), Backstreet Boys- Never Gone

Jump The Shark Award: Tom Cruise. After watching the news for the two past months, do I need to say anymore? Of course I do… How in the hell do you go from beloved actor to psycho nutcase in no time flat: Date unsuspecting hottie in publicity stunt; preach Scientology and evils of psycharitic drugs; and yell at anyone who disagrees. Anyone want to take a guess at how “War of the Worlds” will fare?

Most Disappointing CD (So Far): Audioslave- Out of Exile: All the good work done on the first album is in serious jeopardy after hearing “Out of Exile”. It's like the former members of Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine tried they’re hardest to not rock on this album- most of it sounds like a complete bore. Even as I write this it is hard to even imagine this band or the legacies of their two previous bands putting out something so boring.

Most Overhyped: Take your pick; 50 Cent (The Massacre) or Coldplay (X&Y). Both are not bad, just not great…

Best Single (So Far): TIE: System of A Down “B.Y.O.B.” & Weezer “Beverly Hills”.- :”B.Y.O.B.” is blissfully defiant, and makes you want to storm towards the mosh pit, no matter how old you are. “Beverly Hills” is the sing along tune of the year, with Weezer continuing to put out solid music four years after their shocking comeback.

Best Album (So Far): System of A Down- Mesmerize- With a close win over the Mars Volta, System becomes “The Band” with Mesmerize. The album is so frenetic and sends you in so many different directions; you can't help but love it. Remember folks, they’ve got another coming out in November.

Well, those are my picks for best and worst about 2005 so far. This year is definitely stronger in the music department than ’03 or ’04, but it could always sputter out towards the end of the year. Who knows, Kanye West could proclaim he’s Jesus on his next album, due August 16th. Or perhaps Disturbed could really drop the ball on their album, out September 20th.

We will just have to wait and find out… And remember, Tom Cruise really is crazy.

Art can be reached at arthatesyou@detroitbuzz.com.